Los Angeles Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Cycling is a great way to get exercise, enjoy the outdoors, and see the sights in an economical way. It’s a mode of transportation that has become increasingly popular over the years, even in the car-dominated city of Los Angeles. Riding a bike has numerous health benefits, including less stress and lower risk of heart disease. However, bicyclists in Whittier and LA must be aware of the dangers that come with riding on busy city streets alongside cars, trucks, and motorcycles. 

Common Bicycle Accident Injuries

Bicyclists have little to no protection while on the road. If they get into an accident with a vehicle, they are the ones who are likely to sustain serious injuries. It’s important to be aware of the common bicycle injuries in order to prevent them. 

Road rash

This friction wound usually affects bicycle and motorcycle riders when they fall off their bike and their skin gets scraped off. Road rash is generally a minor injury, but infection and scarring can occur if this type of skin injury is left untreated. Cyclists might also experience other abrasions, cuts, and bruises if they are thrown off their bike and hit the pavement. To treat road rash, it’s important to clean the infected area and wrap it in gauze. 

Broken bones

While a broken bone may not seem like a very serious injury, depending on the location of the fracture, it could put someone out of work for an extended period of time. Bike accident victims will most likely need to wear a cast for several weeks or months following a bone fracture. They may need surgery depending on the severity of the fraction or even physical therapy later on. 

Facial and eye injuries

Many bicycle accidents happen when a car rear ends a bicycle, causing the cyclist to fall forward. Because most cyclists do not wear a face guard, they are likely to suffer serious damage to the facial area. It could be a broken jaw, facial fracture, eye injury, or dental injury. Wearing a helmet and protective glasses can reduce the risk of a serious injury to the face and head. 

Head and brain injuries

One of the most dangerous injuries cyclists can sustain are head and brain injuries. Commonly referred to as traumatic brain injuries (TBI), they could be a concussion, a skull fracture, or intracranial hematoma. Treatment depends on the type and severity of the injury, as well as the age, overall health, and medical history of the bicycle accident victim. Wearing a helmet is key to protecting against head trauma, which can be severe and even fatal.

Back and neck injuries

The back and neck consist of many delicate bones that if broken or bruised, can result in severe complications. Spinal cord injuries affect the spinal cord, which is the bundle of nerves that runs from the brain to the rest of the body. A spinal cord injury can result in paralysis, or the loss of movement to some or all of the body. 

Internal injuries

Trauma from a bicycle accident can result in internal bleeding and damage to the internal organs. Because the suffered injuries are not visible, they can be extremely dangerous. A rider may need surgery to stop the bleeding or remove the damaged organ, such as a ruptured spleen. 

Amputation

The force of an impact in a car accident can be catastrophic, especially to a cyclist. Sometimes, an injury to an arm or leg is too severe to repair, thus requiring surgery to remove the limb. Amputation completely changes a person’s life and affects every aspect of their daily life. After an amputation, victims may suffer from depression, anxiety, and other debilitating conditions. Extensive recovery and rehab is needed to treat this type of bicycle injury. 

Wrongful death

It is a very tragic situation when bicyclists succumb to their injuries because of a bicycle accident. These cases are never easy, and extensive investigation is required on all sides. In the event that a cyclist was hit and killed by a motor vehicle, the surviving family member or spouse may sue the driver for compensation in a wrongful death lawsuit. 

Is Wearing a Helmet Required?

As a cyclist, you may be wondering what the law is regarding bicycle helmet use in California. Unlike motorcyclists who must always wear a helmet, cyclists over the age of 18 are not required to wear a helmet while riding a bike. However, wearing a helmet is strongly recommended. Many studies show that wearing a helmet reduces the risk of head trauma considerably. Wearing a helmet is especially important if you commute to work by bike or ride where there is no protected bike lane. 

Get Help With Your Los Angeles Bicycle Accident Claim | Free Consultation 

If you are injured in a bicycle accident in Whittier, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and other losses. However, you may face challenges in proving liability and dealing with aggressive insurance companies. That is why you need an experienced Los Angeles bicycle accident lawyer who can help you protect your rights and pursue your personal injury case. Contact Greenleaf Law Group today for a free consultation. We will review your case and advise you on your best course of action.